Page 8 of Offside and Off-Limits
“Hey, Clara. Mrs. McCluskey told me about the new job. That’s awesome!” Emmy says with a broad smile.
“Yeah, congratulations,” Neesha says.
“Thanks a lot,” I reply, not in the least surprised to learn that they’ve already heard about my new position. Even the tiniest piece of news travels faster than a road runner on an exercise kick in this town, particularly if Mary-Ellen McCluskey is involved.
“By the sounds of things, you're going to be getting up close and personal with all those hunky hockey players,” Emmy says with a waggle of her eyebrows.
I laugh. Emmy and Dawson Hayes have been together for ages. Dawson was one of the first batch of Ice Breakers to hit town, the ones who played for charity. And just like my sister, Keira, she's ridiculously happy and loved-up these days.
It’s nice for some.
“Emmy, remind me. Aren't you engaged to a hunky hockey player?” I tease.
“Sure am,” Emmy replies, her eyes soft. “You know there’s a new bunch of guys in town now that the Ice Breakers are part of the League. You could snag one of them for yourself. That’s what I told Neesha.”
Neesha rolls her eyes. “She did. Not that I listened. I’m not interested in hockey players”
“Good for you,” I say to her.
Being practically the only single female residents left in this town under the age of thirty-five, I’m positive both Neesha and I are going to be matched up with the new guys in town, whether we like it or not.
“Never say never, Clara,” Emmy says.
“I say never, and so does the non-fraternization clause in my new employment contract,” I reply.
Emmy’s features drop. “Seriously?”
“That’s too bad,” Bailey adds.
I scrunch up my nose. “Is it?”
“I don’t know. It might just be that I have a certain bias toward hockey players,” Emmy replies.
“Enough hockey talk. What can I get you two ladies?” Neesha asks.
“What flavor cupcakes do you have today?” I ask.
“Cookies and cream, raspberry and white chocolate, maple and walnut, and a new recipe I’m trying out: key lime,” Neesha replies proudly.
“Key lime,” both Bailey and I say in unison. “And two lattes, please,” I add.
I glance over to see Benny riffling through the small comic book collection Emmy has at the bookstore, searching for whatever title he decides I need to buy him next. He’s already amassed quite the collection, and his current obsession is with a series calledThe Timekeeper Chronicles. I don’t get it, but he loves it, and that’s what matters.
Bailey and I take a seat at one of the small tables within eyesight of him, hanging our jackets over the backs of the wooden chairs.
“So, tell me everything about this new job of yours.”
“Well, I’ll be responsible for all the social media activity for the team, starting with creating a content schedule so I can plan what to post, and when and where to post it. Then I’ll create the content to post. I’ll be monitoring analytics from them as well as staying updated on social media trends and platform changes. I’ll need to collaborate with graphic designers for visual assets, responding…to…fans…” I trail off when I notice Bailey’s eyebrows are raised. “What?”
“I just want to know the fun part.”
“What do you mean? Thatisthe fun part.”
“No, I mean things like getting the players to do TikTok dances or trick shot challenges. That kind of thing.”
“Trick shot challenges?” I ask as I pull my phone from my purse and add it to my list entitledIce Breaker Engagement Ideas. “I like that.”
“Not the TikTok dances? Those would be a lot of fun. Those big, sporty guys doing all those dance moves is a real crowd pleaser. The social media manager did a bunch with the teams I’ve worked with before.”
